Custody and Parenting Time Lawyers Hinsdale
Custody and Parenting Time Lawyers Hinsdale
If your divorce involves children, you will need to determine a plan for custody and parenting time. Unfortunately, this can be one of the most emotionally charged and contentious issues in some divorces. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can’t agree on a parenting plan, it can drag out your divorce and cause it to be more expensive. You might even end up having a judge determine your parenting plan. When you hire experienced and compassionate custody and parenting time lawyers in Hinsdale, you can be assured that you have trusted advocates on your side – advocates who will do all they can to work out a parenting plan that fits your needs and is agreeable to the other parent.Â
Determining Custody in an Illinois Divorce
It’s no longer true that mothers have an unfair advantage when it comes to who gets custody of the children in a divorce. Family court judges determine or approve a parenting plan based on what is in the best interest of the children involved. Since custody is fact-sensitive, it varies from one case to the next.
Custody is divided into legal custody and residential custody. Legal custody is the ability to determine certain critical aspects of the child’s upbringing and life, such as education, religion, and medical care. Residential custody refers to where the child will live or spend most of their time. It also determines who will pay child support. Depending on the circumstances, it’s not uncommon for Illinois courts to award joint legal custody. However, often joint residential custody can sometimes be stressful on the children, making the courts more reluctant to do so.Â
To qualify for joint legal custody, the court will need to see that the parents are willing and able to communicate with each other. If they are not, then the court will only grant legal custody to one parent. Even without legal custody, the other parent can still see the child’s school and information and essential other information regarding their child. For example, that parent is entitled to talk to the child’s teachers and doctors, as well as go to the child’s activities or performances. Custody and parenting time attorneys in Hinsdale can help educate you on your options for both legal and residential custody. They can also help you negotiate with your children’s other parent so that your custody isn’t left up to the sole decision of the court.Â
Parenting Plan Modifications in Illinois
Even with an ideal parenting plan, circumstances can change, requiring a modification. Parent job schedules can change, parents can move, or they can have other issues in their lives that necessitate a change to the parenting plan. Illinois family courts understand this and allow either parent to petition the court to change the plan in certain circumstances. The benefit of hiring custody and parenting time attorneys in Hinsdale for your divorce is that you can turn to them down the road when you or your spouse desires a parenting plan modification. They can help you determine if a valid reason exists to change your current child custody arrangement.
Custody Questions? Get Help from Experienced Custody and Parenting Time Lawyers in Hinsdale
At the Goodman Law Firm, we know just how emotional and heated parenting time and custody issues can become in even the most amicable of divorces. We stand up for your rights and help you examine all of your options. Contact our custody and parenting time lawyers in Hinsdale to schedule your custody consultation today.
FAQs About Divorce in Illinois
What should I do if I have been served with divorce papers?
If you have received service of divorce papers, contact an experienced divorce attorney to review the documents, understand your rights, and plan your next steps. Time is critical in divorce proceedings, and having skilled legal counsel from the start can make all the difference.
How can I prepare for my initial consultation with a divorce attorney?
Bring documents such as financial records, prenuptial agreements, and a list of any questions you have. Be prepared to discuss your relevant goals and concerns openly and honestly. The more information you provide, the better we can assess your situation and develop a strategy that serves your best interests.
How are collaborative law, mediation, and negotiation different?
- Collaborative law is a structured process where both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving the divorce without going to court. It involves open communication and cooperation, with the goal of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
- In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions to help divorcing parties reach a mutual agreement. Rather than making decisions, the mediator guides the negotiation process toward productive outcomes.
- Negotiation involves discussions between the parties directly or their attorneys to settle divorce terms. Unlike mediation, there is no neutral third party.
What should I expect during the divorce process?
The process typically involves filing for divorce, exchanging information, negotiating terms, and finalizing the agreement. If negotiations fail, courtroom litigation will become part of the process.
What happens if my spouse refuses to cooperate during the divorce?
If your spouse is uncooperative, the court may have to intervene to resolve disputes. At Goodman Law Firm, our attorney has experience in handling contentious cases and will advocate for your interests even in circumstances where spousal cooperation is limited.